PIFON, the implementing agency of APFP in the Pacific Islands devised a survey to identify what COVID-19’s current impacts were for farmers and farmer organizations, and what impacts they expected moving forward. This survey recognized that the impact of COVID-19 had not spared any country in the Pacific and beyond, and that impacts likely differed across the Pacific Islands region.
The survey also sought information on the strategies being implemented to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the agriculture industry and wider food security situation, and how to best continue to alleviate the challenges brought about by this pandemic.
Those targeted to complete the survey were the FOs in each of PIFON’s nine member countries, as they represent 68,000 Pacific farmers, as well as other Pacific farmer interested in completing the survey.
Individual countries also conducted their own internal assessments, and as such this survey is designed to provide additional information to complement national assessments. This rapid analysis sought to identify vulnerable communities, and provide information for policy and decision makers as guidance on how to support farmers in the Pacific region as part of their COVID-19 response activities. Additional research into COVID-19’s impacts, sourced from different websites, other industry reports, additional follow through with institutions to validate queries raised and impromptu interviews with key stakeholders have also provided valuable insights: PIFON has also drawn on these sources and associated insights in the compilation of this Survey Report.
At the time of the survey four of PIFON’s nine member countries, or territories (viz. Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor Leste) have cases of COVID-19. However, the economic impact resulting from the pandemic is widely felt across the region.
For many of the member countries, tourism contributes significantly to GDP and with border closures, flights grounded, country and city lockdowns experienced in the Pacific nations, tourism has ground to a halt. This has seen the collapse of tourism-related businesses with employees on reduced hours and sent home. It has also meant that PIFON’s members’ markets for agricultural produce through hotels and resorts has ceased.
In the midst of this global health crisis, four member countries also experienced a disaster with Tropical Cyclone Harold affecting Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga from (April 1st-11th, 2020). Although, of the four cyclone hit countries, Fiji has COVID-19 patients, this cyclone compounded existing challenges for them all, causing widespread structural damage on homes, vegetation and further threatening the resilience of our Pacific islands. For Vanuatu, the impact has been threefold, as even prior to COVID-19, Vanuatu experienced disasters from volcanic ash falls and flash flooding, and continues to be isolated and locked down.
This section provides a glimpse of what each of PIFON’s nine member countries is currently experiencing:
COOK ISLANDS
One of the few countries which has not recorded any COVID-19 cases, the Cook Islands has been affected in that their tourism industry has come to a virtual standstill with three of the largest resorts closed during the survey period. This has meant a reduction in sales as hotels and resorts purchased fruits and vegetables, which have been redirected to the local market, and with the border closures there is limited freight for exports. Lockdowns in country have seen a change to the value chain with farmers now selling directly to the consumer. There has been an increase in the promotion of keyhole gardening through TV and video, and a shortage has arisen in planting material from the increase in demand. FOs are working on recovery plans, which include reaching out to partners in Government and development agencies to identify ways to support the response.
FIJI
There were 18 cases of COVID-19 with 15 recorded recoveries at the time of finalizing this report.With 93% of its tourism industry closed from late March, Fiji has seen changes in the value chain,with farmers shifting to sell produce to the consumers, and in some instances produce going towaste as in-country lockdowns have hindered delivery of supplies to market. There has been ahuge reduction in sales locally as well as on the export front as border closures have seen a dropin flight schedules by 95%, which has been extended through to 31st July. Vegetable prices haveincreased where there is shortage and lockdowns but are not expected to last as close to 110,000individuals have had their income affected either through job loss as a direct consequence of thetourism industry closure. Many tourist workers are turning to growing their own produce, and/orreturning to their villagers. The Ministry of Agriculture introduced response packages encouragingthe establishment of backyard gardens but has experienced a shortage of planting materials.
Farmers with land masses of ¾ acres or more are being encouraged to plant certain crops to ensurefood security. Further dialogue between organizations, Government and the national airlinehas seen Fiji Airways operate freight routes to help exporters with a weekly flight to its major destinationsof New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Fiji was also the third Pacific countrylocated on Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold’s track, and extensive vegetation damage was experiencedby farmers in the Western and Southern parts of the country which has virtually wiped out freshvegetables that were in the fields ready for harvesting.
NEW CALEDONIA
With 18 cases of COVID-19 who have all recovered, New Caledonia has not experienced muchof a change in their agricultural operations, however they are monitoring the situation closely. Arecent economic survey covering 25 business sectors, including agriculture, saw a total of 1,200companies respond, and it highlighted that the biggest issue experienced within the agriculturalsector was in regard to disruptions to supply due to the in-country lockdown. Aside from a problemwith transport access during lockdown, there is also a labor shortage. On-line buying andselling exchange platforms have been introduced to make it easier for local producers and buyersto network, and FOs have been liaising with the authorities to ensure that during the lockdown,that farmers are able to move around with their agricultural passes. With imports at 80%, farmerswill be challenged when it comes to purchasing inputs such as fertilizers, however the demand fordomestic produce will be boosted.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
There are 8 recovered cases of COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea, which has seen lockdowns
in-country but not to the same extent as other Pacific Island countries. Domestic travel is permitted but borders have been closed. A State of Emergency was declared for two months which will run until June. The focus has been on food security for displaced workers, as well as supporting farmers with planting materials. Land has been allocated by the authorities to support food security. Work is being carried out to support the service capacities of the FOs, through the provision of seedlings and technological support.
SAMOA
Samoa has no recorded cases of COVID-19; however, the Government declared a State of Emergencywhich resulted in lockdowns, and there are also border closures affecting this nation’s exportmarket. Samoa has experienced a substantial increase in unemployment, as well as crop wastage,as a result of the downturn within the tourism industry. A concern is the scarcity of landwith citizens turning to the land for food security. There is a shortage of seedlings so national FOsare working to fill the gap. Efforts are being made to also improve communications through technologyas movement is restricted and no public gatherings are allowed. Lobbying Government toallow flights in for imports and exports, have been successful but these freight flights are limited.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
The Solomon Islands have been fortunate not to have any COVID-19 cases reported, but they have not been spared from the economic downturn. A State of Emergency was declared in preparation for COVID-19, but this has been extended due to the impact of TC Harold. These islands were the first on TC Harold’s track, and the work has been exacerbated following the destruction from this system. Guadalcanal, which is the source of food for the capital Honiara, was devastated from floods caused by the cyclone. This is in addition to the unemployment experienced within the tourism industry from the economic downturn. There are concerns that with displaced workers moving into farming land to provide food security, there will be a scarcity of land. In the meantime, efforts have been directed to replanting and ensuring that there is sufficient planting material available.
TIMOR LESTE
With a current record of 24 cases of COVID-19, all recovered, Timor Leste has the highest numberof recorded cases within the PIFON membership. With tourism at less than 1% of the GDP,unemployment has not increased as it has in other parts of the Pacific, but with oil as one of itsmain industries and the price crash, the economy is expected to deteriorate further. Agriculturehas been a core focus since independence, so efforts continue to focus on food security, by way ofpreparing land for planting, as well as organizing planting material for farmers.
TONGA
Another country without any recorded cases of COVID-19, but still feeling the brunt of the impactof the virus pandemic, whereby exports have been affected and the importation of items to helpwith construction has stalled projects within the agricultural industry. A State of Emergency hasbeen declared and this has been extended due to the impact of TC Harold. The main damage tofood crops and water supplies occurred in ‘Eua and Tongatapu. With displaced workers returningto the land, scarcity of land will become an issue. Current efforts are focusing on re-strategizing tofocus on food security and livelihoods, and ensuring that there are supplies of planting material.Work with Government has included seeking the waiving of taxes for business, and also deferrals
on loan repayments.
VANUATU
Vanuatu has no recorded cases of COVID-19, but four separate disasters have impacted the Vanuatueconomy in recent times. Prior to COVID-19, there were volcanic ash and flash flooding eventswhich impacted on agricultural produce, and whilst the country was under a State of Emergency tobattle COVID-19, TC Harold struck as a Category 5 cyclone. This latter event has destroyed crops,infrastructure and livestock on northern islands (e.g. Santo, Malo and Malekula) and responsemeasures have included re-distribution of agricultural crops and planting materials from islandsin the south of the country such as Tanna. Vanuatu has a large rural and agricultural population sofarmers are replanting in many regions of the country to ensure food security. Aid has been providedby the New Zealand and Australian Governments, but with Vanuatu only just starting to seefull recovery from TC Pam (category 3) which hit in 2015, these latest disasters are further testingthe resilience of its citizens.
Current & Anticipated Future Impacts of COVID-19 on Agriculture
All countries highlighted that there was a current reduction in local sales of produce, and that there were problems experienced with the distribution channels. This was primarily due to the lockdowns imposed by Governments which made it difficult for farmers to cross internal borders, as well as abroad for exports. For some it was a result of the closure of many tourism businesses, so local produce which would have been purchased by the hotels, or used for exports, was surplus that had to be sold at the market.
A majority of the replies highlighted reduced support/visits from extension services such as training providers, again as a result of the lockdowns and safety guidelines issued to practice social distancing. With increases in unemployment, many sought support to begin home/backyard gardening which resulted in a shortage of seedlings/planting materials.
Farmers and nursery owners who had prepared seedlings saw an increase in their sales. Traders had surplus stocks as certain items were not a necessity resulting in reduced buying from farmers, and there was also stockpiling of good with longer shelf life by consumers prior to COVID-19 so this meant lower sales of fresh produce in the following weeks of this activity. This disruption in value chains was partly the reason for farmers having to take produce directly to market.
The additional time that people now have on their hands because of COVID-19 has seen many getting involved in home and backyard gardens, so much so that seeds, seedlings, planting materials, potting equipment, manure and soil are amongst the more popular trading commodities domestically as highlighted by the founder of ‘Barter for a Better Fiji’, Marlene Dutta on a recent BBC interview. The increase in home gardening has resulted in many partners and donors wishing to be a part of projects that encourage home and backyard gardening. However, we need to be mindful that this is mainly being practiced because of the COVID-19 situation where many people are currently staying at home. The return of people to work will see this trend decreasing and food in the markets will continue to be supplied by farmers who farm for their livelihood. Partners and donors are advised that longer term initiatives are best focused on farmers, expanding production and strengthening value chains, as they will be the backbone of rural economies.
Although cut flowers are perceived by some as non-essential, floriculture growers in Fiji have increased sales citing the calming effects of floral blooms on stressful situations. Deaths and funerals continue to occur, so flowers are still demanded for such occasions though the impact of social distancing has tampered the numbers that attend such gatherings. Local weddings generally see purchases of a significant number of flowers and this has also continued despite restrictions on social gathering numbers.
Future impacts that are anticipated include a possible price crash for agricultural produce as over supply from home gardening and produce which would have supplied the tourism sector come online. Likewise, social distancing restrictions will continue to see a reduction in the support/visits from extension services such as in Samoa where weekly organic basket collection from farmers has been halted as there has been no transport to help facilitate the movement of the produce.
As more industries reduce employment hours, if not lay-off staff, and more seek solutions through growing their own produce, further shortages of seedlings/planting materials are anticipated. The on-going problems with distribution channels are likely to continue so farmers will have to continue to be flexible and take produce to the market directly if traders are no longer able to purchase from the farm gate. In addition, transport problems and constraints with the continued lockdowns, subsequent food shortages from not being able to get certain products to market with some going to waste, the fear of farmers and their employees going to work, changing market dynamics and quarantine issues for farm produce are expected.
Biggest Threats from COVID-19 on Agriculture
The biggest threat from a health perspective is the spread of the virus, particularly amongst the vulnerable senior ages and those with co-morbidities such as diabetes and cancer. Medical facilities simply do not have the resource capacity to accommodate an influx of COVID-19 cases, therefore any increases could see patients having to remain at home so the likelihood of the disease spreading is high.
When looking at social issues, there is an increase in theft expected with many now unemployed and food security will be the focus for many families. Also, social distancing will mean less interaction, so for communities that have limited or no access to IT and other means of communication, this can result in poor communication between communities. Another threat will be the expected increase in domestic violence as many are in lockdown, and there is increased stress from greater unemployment and reduced food security.
The extent of the impact differs from country to country given the nature of their business environment and support from Government. For the majority, where tourism contributes a significant amount to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the blow has been more severe. Border closures have created a multiplier effect of no tourists, no flights, less tourism products and services required so reduction in hours or loss of employment altogether, hence the reduction in buying power.
Some countries like New Caledonia and the Cook Islands rely heavily on imports, so flight cancellations have led to a reduction in imports that will affect inputs for agriculture, and consequently further loss of income. Tonga has seen a halt to the construction of a new building facility due to materials not being flown through on time. This is similar for countries which have significant agricultural exports for their produce, as the inability to export due to the cancellation of flights has seen the possibility of business closures. Shortage of labor is also a big threat as a result of the lockdown, fear of contracting COVID-19 and many returning to their provinces as a result of unemployment. With insufficient crop storage and preservation in many countries, the ability to reduce post-harvest losses is lessened resulting in financial losses.
Environmental threats such as disasters like cyclones or extensive drought will leave farmers in further precarious financial positions. For example, reduced finances to invest in irrigation systems, in times of drought, well affect production and the ability to earn revenue. Land scarcity could arise as many returns to their traditional lands seeking food security from subsistence farming, and if not managed well, this could lead to arguments over land ownership and use. Additionally, with more returning to the land, there is an increased risk of deforestation.
Strategies Implemented to Mitigate the Threats
Mitigation activities to combat the impact of COVID-19 are divided into three key strategic areas:
• INDIVIDUAL: Farmers helping themselves;
• INTERNAL: Farmer networks and organizations providing support; and
• EXTERNAL: Assistance from respective Governments and developmental partners
Within farms/organizations, many are emphasizing effective forms of communication particularly through social media and exploring digital, online platforms, including virtual training materials to assist employees. Increasing the supply of seedlings and planting material is an important focus, particularly to meet the growing demand from those who are now unemployed, on reduced hours and/or are looking to establish backyard gardens.
FOs are strengthening their networks through increased engagement on social media and radio, particularly in rural communities where the internet is difficult to access, such as the Solomon Islands. There is much focus on identifying the most vulnerable members and re-strategizing to address food security and improved livelihoods. FOs have produced effective solutions specific to their response to COVID-19 (see Key Messages Figures 1.1-1.5). In the Cook Islands, local produce originally targeted for the tourism market is sold domestically to especially vulnerable community members such as young families. FOs are also reaching out to Government and development agencies for funding support, seeking support for the urgent need of freight flights to assist with exports and imports. Additional support and greater investment is needed in agriculture for improved food security and livelihoods, in addition to intermediary relief efforts, such as waiving of taxes, subsidies on planting material and loan repayments.
To date, some Governments have already provided assistance such as specific freight fights particularly for national airlines.
Possible networking partners for recovery work
FOs within PICs are currently working together, alongside their funding partners including PIFON,Ministries of Agriculture, Chambers of Commerce and Commercial Banks to further providerelevant assistance to their members. In Papua New Guinea, Government has designated land toan FO to help displaced workers.
Experiences in mass communication campaigns, disaster responses, health education, cash transfers
Five of the six FO countries have experience in relief support, particularly mass communication,participating in emergency/disaster response, humanitarian response and hygiene/health messaging(Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji) Although deficient in this area, SolomonIslands has an extensive reach in rural communities, thus providing much needed local knowledgethrough the FO to successfully access and engage with them.
Agricultural Finance
Managing cash flow and accessing finance for farmers continues to be challenging and the impact of COVID-19 has only increased the difficulty for farmers to obtain bank loans. In some instances, farmers have had to personally negotiate delayed payments and finances to banks and financial institutions. All Pacific Island economies have slowed, and many farmers are experiencing difficulties keeping up with loan repayments. There is also reduced liquidity, so in cases where there has been an increase in market demand and sales, the provisions to draw down on loans to cater for increased production have either been restricted or stopped.
Farmers recorded higher sales right after COVID-19, attributed largely to the hoarding/stockpiling due to the uncertainty in the beginning. There were also the lockdowns of certain areas which created surplus in one area and none in other areas where farmers were not able to make deliveries. However, with cash still flush in the communities at the time, people used the opportunity to stockpile on products which saw quick gains for farmers, but these have now tampered off.
Only farmers in Fiji have reported their loans approved prior to COVID-19 are now frozen. Subject to this being verified, it appears to be a temporary policy: follow up with banks to validate these comments did not reach us when this report was finalized. Farmers are arguing that they have the time and the need is to know to grow their farms. Follow up checks and emails were sent to find out if there is a fiscal policy by the Reserve Bank of Fiji on this matter as commercial banks are also not lending, with the assumption that all is not normal, and instead the option to wait for a return to normal business to resume lending. These loans that Fiji farmers commented on are not commodity specific, but general agriculture development loans to develop unutilized land (and prior to COVID-19 pandemic).
Within the region, Governments have generally tasked banks and financers to restructure loans to assist the agricultural sector. However only in Fiji were banks encouraged to do this: thus, the onus and responsibility was on individual farmers to work out their requirements on a one to one basis. This has been an additional burden on top of coping with COVID-19 and recovering from TC Harold. Interesting to note, that despite produce prices now falling, such as for kava, farmers are opting to harvest and sell to ensure repayments to loans are met, rather than keeping their crops in the field for when prices may increase again in lieu of reorganizing repayment structures.
The lack of consistent policy with regard to the obligations of financial institutions is restricting the growth of agriculture at the very time when it is one of sectors identified to keep Pacific economies moving forward. More flexible fiscal and banking policies need to be developed that will assist the agricultural sector to cater for food security and support rural livelihoods.
Agritourism Experiences Opportunities
With the downturn in tourism, many tourism wholesalers are still reeling from tourism comingto a standstill in Pacific Island countries. This provides an opportunity to lay the groundwork forfarms and farmers who are interested in opening up their farms for Agritourism experience. Smallgroup experiences are likely to be in greater demand in the future, these family-friendly niche experienceshave struggled to get the attention of mainstream tourism stakeholders in the past andthe current crisis could provide the space to develop this niche market for the Pacific.
The marketing opportunity for the essence of ‘Pacific Tourism’ is here, proposals for a promotional roadshow highlighting a safe, exciting travel option, depicting accommodation and ‘farm to table’ concepts from the respective parts of the Pacific provide ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’ for possible Pacific tourism and Agritourism opportunities.
Celebrating authenticity and a return to cultural roots, where experiences highlight how traditional practices are resuming. Bartering, a centuries old method of trade, has recommenced but through the current medium of social media. Another centuries old trading mechanism has begun, but on a smaller scale, which is the subletting of land allotments to displaced workers where the terms of the lease are an allocation of the crops planted going to the landowner.
A large part of being ready is ensuring that ‘Safety is Paramount’ for all concerned, whether a local or a visitor to Pacific shores. It is important for short and long-term plans that locals maintain good hygiene practices so as to promote a safe environment for all concerned. A national effort in each Pacific country should be encouraged in educating for better hygiene practices and its importance for locals and attracting visitors alike, as well as a cleaner environment for all. This is a worthwhile campaign for tourism reliant Pacific economies, and ideally it would be produced by the respective Pacific nations in their respective languages.
Long-term health initiatives can include utilizing defense forces, namely Military, Navy as well as domestic units like the Police, for First Responder training to combat pandemics. COVID-19 is a unique occurrence, but given the resurgence of pandemics throughout history, it is advisable that a more strategic preparatory approach with lessons learnt to help future recovery efforts. Aside from focusing on health to maintain a robust population who are productive and do not pressure developing medical infrastructures, it will be a reassurance for tourists to our shores that the Pacific Islands have the capability and capacity to accommodate the safety and medical needs of all.
Key messages to share
Respondents were asked to provide their key messages to fellow farmers, their respective Governmentsand to the general public. Core messages common to all the three groups were:
- To work together
- Promote the importance of local trade, reducing imports and improving food security
- Promote local and healthy eating
- Actively and visibly support locally grown produce for local consumption
Source: PIFON. https://pacificfarmers.com/resource/pacific-farmers-have-their-say-survey-report/
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